Exciting Changes Coming to Old Settlers Park in Round Rock!
Round Rock, Texas, is gearing up for some significant changes at Old Settlers Park, and while it might mean some temporary inconveniences, the long-term benefits promise to be fantastic for the community! Starting Monday, September 23, parts of this beloved park will be closed to allow for a major renovation project that’s been eagerly anticipated.
What’s Happening?
According to city officials, the renovations won’t affect any of the major events that typically take place at the park. However, locals who enjoy walking the trails or taking their kids to the playground might notice some changes in their routine over the next three years. The first phase of construction will kick off at the Joanne Land playground, a favorite spot for many families, including the Traboulays, who frequent the park.
Jeevan Traboulay, a Round Rock resident, shared his family’s excitement about the playground. “I picked them up from school, and they were just excited to come to the playground, and this is their best one. They love it,” he said. His kids have made it clear that they want to visit their special place one last time before the renovations start.
Investing in Our Park
The transformation at Old Settlers Park will involve a whopping $14.4 million worth of improvements, funded by a 2023 bond specifically allocated for the park. Rick Atkins, the director of the parks and recreation department, noted, “We used to say that we had traffic. About a million people come through this park each year. Now we have two million plus. We need to do some things to ensure we have a safe park for build-out.”
The plan includes leveling the existing Joanne Land playground, which will be converted into a grassy area, and constructing a brand new, larger playground just south of the nearby pavilion on Harrell Parkway. “What that means, by moving it, we get a brand new one, a custom playscape that’s going to be larger than this one, a little bit cooler, and we think it’s something that the public will enjoy,” Atkins explained enthusiastically.
New Amenities and Facilities
The renovations don’t stop at the playground. The city plans to build a double-decker pavilion overlooking a brand new amphitheater, set to rise north of the current playground. The fate of the old pavilion isn’t decided yet, but there are plans to expand the bathroom facilities nearby. Atkins mentioned, “There’s going to be a lot of change and a lot of new positive things coming to our community.”
The excitement doesn’t just end at Old Settlers Park. Round Rock is also making strides with other park renovations, particularly at Memorial Park. With a staggering $170 million planned for upgrades, there are talks of a new rec center, a track, pickleball courts, and an administration building for the parks department. Some fields and tennis courts might even get a facelift.
A Thoughtful Approach
It’s worth mentioning that these renovations come in the wake of recent tragedies in the area, and while there are no current plans for a memorial, Atkins reiterated that the city remains open to honoring its residents in any meaningful way.
Looking Ahead
While Atkins hasn’t revealed renderings for the new playground yet, the Traboulay family, like many others, is looking forward to the changes. “Change is always good, sometimes, most of the time, right? If they’re going to update it to better stuff for the kids, why not?” Jeevan commented eagerly.
So, if you’re a regular visitor to Old Settlers Park, prepare for some exciting changes ahead. The removal of the Joanne Land playground is expected to be complete by this time next year, with the overall renovation project taking up to three years. Even though there might be a bit of disruption, the future looks bright for this cherished community space!
